Japan at a Glance

Working in Japan

Working in Japan is a valuable, yet often challenging experience for expats.

Working in Japan can be a great, albeit challenging experience for you. Local customs in particular and the prevailing bureaucracy can be overwhelming. No worries, though: With our help you will feel right at home while working in Japan’s business world.

Working in Japan may still conjure up images of suit-clad sararīman (white-collar business employees), pressing themselves into Tokyo’s underground during rush hour. Today, working in Japan has changed for much of the local population. However, before we can give you an insight to Japan’s business world, we have to briefly mention the current situation in Japan.

Working in Japan: The Great East Japan Earthquake

Earthquakes are very common in Japan. Most expats may have encountered one of them while working in Japan. While most earthquakes are comparatively harmless, the great earthquake which shook the ground in March 2011 and resulted in a tsunami on the east coast was a natural disaster.

During the tsunami, the nuclear power plant in Fukushima sustained heavy damage. Different reactors of the power plant failed, releasing a fair amount of radiation. The government eventually declared the area in Fukushima a prohibited zone for locals and expats working in Japan.

Working in Japan: Current Economic Climate

Before the natural disaster, working in Japan meant working in a country struggling with problems such as slow economic growth, a decline of the manufacturing sector, low productivity, rising public debt, and an ageing population. In 2025, two people working in Japan might have to support one retiree.

However, the current situation may have a severe impact on the country’s economy. How exactly it will influence the situation of people working in Japan is still the source of much speculation. Although the GDP started to rebound in the third quarter of 2011, the aftermath of the earthquake and the nuclear catastrophe led to even higher government debt as well as massive problems in the energy sector. Expats working in Japan should keep an eye on current developments to find out how the economy will be affected.

Working in Japan: Visa Requirements

Any foreign nationals who will be working in Japan (i.e. who do not come for a business trip, to engage in negotiations, etc.) have to apply for a special work visa. For this purpose, they need to obtain a so-called Certificate of Eligibility from the immigration office.

As soon as you have an offer of employment for Japan, an HR staff member of your Japanese employer should submit the application on your behalf. This procedure takes up to three months and needs to be handled of before the actual visa application. Without the proper visa, you should never be working in Japan.

Working in Japan: Important Sectors

Due to the lack of arable land, there have never been very many opportunities for those working in Japan’s agricultural sector. Except for rice cultivation and fishing, agriculture is rather negligible.

The manufacturing sector is both advanced and diversified. Japan exports an abundance of industrial ingredients and high-tech products, especially to East Asian countries and the US. This has traditionally been a source of pride to the many laborers working in Japan’s post-war manufacturing industries: However, this sector is suffering from fierce competition from other Asian countries and the present energy crisis.

Above all, working in Japan is characterized by its status as a service economy. Almost 70% of the workforce are employed in service-related industries, from banking and finance over real estate and insurance to telecommunications.

Working in Japan: Requirements for Expatriates

You should bring necessary qualifications, hard skills, and experience for specialist positions. Most expats hold a diplomatic post, a career as a foreign correspondent or are subject to an intra-company transfer.

Skilled expatriates keen on working in Japan may find work in the IT sector or electrical and automotive sector. They may also be hired as experts in environmental or medical technology, B2B salespersons for industrial products or technical translators.

Working in Japan: The Job Search

It can be helpful to begin your career in Japan by applying to the local overseas branch of a sōgōshōsha (Japan’s large trading companies) in your home country. If you’d like to start working in Japan, you should not underestimate the importance of a business network in Japan.

Your contacts may help you by letting you know about vacancies that haven’t been openly advertised or by recommending prospective employers. Last but not least, a solid grasp of business Japanese is an invaluable asset.